Sivankutty accuses UDF govt. in Kerala of scapegoating official to divert attention from Congress-BJP deal on councillor Sugathan

On August 4, 2026, Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] leader V. Sivankutty accused the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala of scapegoating a government official to distract from a deal with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) related to councillor R. Sugathan's leave. The Local Self-Government department suspended Chithra P. Arunima, a Kerala Administrative Service (KAS) officer, following a letter that enabled BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation administration to secure leave for Mr. Sugathan, who was arrested under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).

Mr. Sivankutty claimed that the UDF's intervention was a repayment of debt for vote trading in the recent elections, as the BJP had supported K. Muraleedharan in the Assembly elections and the Congress had aided the BJP in local body elections. The CPI(M) leader alleged that the decision to grant Mr. Sugathan leave was a result of misguided interventions by the Muslim League and Congress departments, leading to an illegal 'escape route' for the KAAPA prisoner.

The CPI(M) demanded that the Chief Minister clarify whether the Law department's advice was sought before the letter was approved, questioning why the under secretary was singled out as the scapegoat. The LDF has submitted a complaint to various authorities, including the State Election Commission, Corporation Secretary, and Home and Local Self-Government Ministers, over the legal violations in granting Mr. Sugathan's leave, and is considering a High Court challenge to nullify the council's decision.